Beeswax, is a substance that is secreted by four pairs of glands on the underside of a worker honey bee's abdomen. Research shows that burning beeswax produces negative ions which neutralize odors and purifies the air.

I think we should get ourselves some honey bee facts, after all so many healing and health-promoting opportunities for the humans begin with this little busy creature. As you read the following 20 honey bee facts, you will be so intrigued just like me by this teensy-weensy fellow's extraordinary abilities.

Consider bee propolis to be the “glue” that keeps everything together. Initially, propolis was thought to simply provide protection to the hive from severe elements (e.g., rain, cold winds, snow). But protection is the most simple purpose for propolis; additionally it helps: reinforce hive structure and stability; minimize disruptive vibrations; prevent disease and parasites from infecting the hives; and mummify small intruders who meet their death inside the hive. Propolis is typically a mixed resin composed of beeswax, saliva, sap, and various botanical products in the surrounding area. Like all things bee, propolis’ natural composition offers human an array of benefits when incorporated into a regular diet.

Bees prepare honey from nectar which they collect from flowers and blossom of trees. They use it, as well as pollen, as food for their young. Honey is a mix of natural sugars (80%), water (18%) and minerals, vitamins, pollen, protein and amino acids (2%). Around 70% of honey's natural sugar content is made up of fructose and glucose. Raw honey has been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogens in food and food spoilage organisms.

You can use honey in cooking instead of sugar. Because it is sweeter than sugar, you need to use less. The first thing to consider when using honey to cook with is that it is judged to be twice (2 X) as sweet as sugar. Therefore, to get the same sweetness as sugar, you use one half as much as you would of sugar.

Honey is about 18% water. If you round that off to 20% you can easily figure that about 1/5th of the honey you add to your recipe is water. Therefore, you cut back on the moisture in your recipe by 20% (1/5th).

Honey is hydroscopic (meaning it attracts water) so it is good for baking cakes as it keeps them moist for longer.

Honey's often thought of as a healthier sweetener, but you might be surprised to learn that this ingredient has tons of skin and hair benefits, too. Made by the alchemy of bees collecting nectar, pollen, and resins from flowers, honey can help moisturize, fight aging, and fight bacteria. Plus, it’s loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and healing compounds. Next time you’re browsing the grocery store shelves, look for raw honey, which hasn't been heat-treated or pasteurized; it contains more active phytonutrient antioxidants and enzymes for enhanced benefits. Here are a few ways to put the ingredient to use (sometimes with the help of some other natural ingredients).